I grew up in the 60s listening to Peter Paul and Mary, The Kingston Trio and others. My parents bought the records and I really enjoyed them. They were funny...”The MTA”, and sad, “PollyVon”, “Tom Dooley”...and exciting, “By the Rising of the Moon.”... and most of all, they were beautiful and beautifully sung with amazing harmonies. My dad had a beautiful voice and sang in choruses in college and I think that is where he gained an appreciation for this kind of singing.
As I grew into conservatism, I saw that some of the songs had these left-leaning lyrics, but that has not turned me away from all folk music.
Yes...my Dad had all the Kingston trio and PPM records.
Years later, on a Caribbean Cruise, my Mom met Mary Travers (who was the Lounge Singer on the Voyage).
My Mom, who doesn’t miss a beat, said to Mary, “That was a lovely show you did last night. Tell me...are you still a communist?”
Mary, all flustered said, “Uhuh no...but I still CARE.”
(Whatever THAT was supposed to mean! LOL!) I wonder if she will attend Ol’ Pete’s Funeral.